Is Williamsburg family friendly to live in? Lots of ?s (Norfolk: rental, condo)

[janieev]

My husband and I are considering a move from NH, where we have lived for the past 13 years, to Williamsburg. He is starting his own company, primarily works from home, and can live anywhere. We think Williamsburg may be the place for us. We've only had one visit and will be going back for another visit soon. My main question is, is Williamsburg a good place to raise a family?

We have 3 kids- 11, 4, and 1. Excellent schools are a top priority. Nice weather (coming from frigid & gloomy NH) is a plus. He travels all over for work, so being within 45 minutes to airports is required. Are Richmond, Norfolk and Newport News all decent airports? We prefer Southwest airlines, which flies out of Norfolk.

We loved the downtown, William & Mary, all the things to do in the area, and that there is so much shopping so conveniently located. We're coming from a place where a trip to stores is 30 minutes of highway driving to get there. Loved how in Williamsburg, it was 10 minutes or less anywhere we wanted to go. Everyone we met while at the playground, parks and shopping was very friendly and raved about the area, churches and schools. Would this be typical of families there? I'm wary because when I've done searches on mom-type boards for moms groups in Williamsburg, there are none that I've found. I'm wondering how many young families really live there. Is it mainly retirees and college kids?

My other big concern is what a friend of mine, who has lived in MD/VA area her whole life told me- that traffic in/around Williamsburg is horrible because of Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg. Is it really that bad? Are there ways around it if you're a local and know the roads? We have family and a condo in St. Augustine, FL and are used to constant tourists and the traffic they create. There, at least, it doesn't bother us. We kind of like the hustle and bustle.

And last, but not least....in every place we've ever lived, there is some weird bug or problem. In NH, it's the black flies that invade in May, one of the nicest temp/weather times of the year....but you don't want to be outside so as not be eaten alive. In FL, it's the fire ants and roaches. What would the most annoying bug or other thing be about living in Williamsburg?

TIA for any help and advice! If there's a realtor out there....we may want to look at a house and a rental while we're there this weekend. We want to do drive-bys on Saturday and then hope to set up showings for Sunday. Would that be reasonable? How would we get into Fords Colony to drive by a rental before we call a realtor about it? (don't want to waste anyone's time if it's not something we'd consider because of neighborhood/area/home style).

[stacylee926]

Originally Posted by janieev

My husband and I are considering a move from NH, where we have lived for the past 13 years, to Williamsburg. He is starting his own company, primarily works from home, and can live anywhere. We think Williamsburg may be the place for us. We've only had one visit and will be going back for another visit soon. My main question is, is Williamsburg a good place to raise a family?

We have 3 kids- 11, 4, and 1. Excellent schools are a top priority. Nice weather (coming from frigid & gloomy NH) is a plus. He travels all over for work, so being within 45 minutes to airports is required. Are Richmond, Norfolk and Newport News all decent airports? We prefer Southwest airlines, which flies out of Norfolk.

We loved the downtown, William & Mary, all the things to do in the area, and that there is so much shopping so conveniently located. We're coming from a place where a trip to stores is 30 minutes of highway driving to get there. Loved how in Williamsburg, it was 10 minutes or less anywhere we wanted to go. Everyone we met while at the playground, parks and shopping was very friendly and raved about the area, churches and schools. Would this be typical of families there? I'm wary because when I've done searches on mom-type boards for moms groups in Williamsburg, there are none that I've found. I'm wondering how many young families really live there. Is it mainly retirees and college kids?

My other big concern is what a friend of mine, who has lived in MD/VA area her whole life told me- that traffic in/around Williamsburg is horrible because of Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg. Is it really that bad? Are there ways around it if you're a local and know the roads? We have family and a condo in St. Augustine, FL and are used to constant tourists and the traffic they create. There, at least, it doesn't bother us. We kind of like the hustle and bustle.

And last, but not least....in every place we've ever lived, there is some weird bug or problem. In NH, it's the black flies that invade in May, one of the nicest temp/weather times of the year....but you don't want to be outside so as not be eaten alive. In FL, it's the fire ants and roaches. What would the most annoying bug or other thing be about living in Williamsburg?

TIA for any help and advice! If there's a realtor out there....we may want to look at a house and a rental while we're there this weekend. We want to do drive-bys on Saturday and then hope to set up showings for Sunday. Would that be reasonable? How would we get into Fords Colony to drive by a rental before we call a realtor about it? (don't want to waste anyone's time if it's not something we'd consider because of neighborhood/area/home style).

I do not live in Williamsburg specifically, but I can answer a few questions...

Traffic around the area is probably the worst on summer weekends when the park opens! Williamsburg is open all year - but probably busiest during the summer. So basically, the traffic is more seasonal - but we live in a tourist area.

Bugs... the worst insect in the area is probably the mosquito. Worse in mid-late summer (but I got 2 bites the other night). This is also related to the weather. It is Oct 16 and it will be in the mid 80's today (has been all week)- tomorrow will be in the low 60's and we should be more seasonal.

Schools - I do not know the statistics, but everyone says York County schools are the best in the area.

Airport - Richmond and Newport News are within your 45 min. Norfolk is probably right at 45 min depending on time of day.

Mr Williamsburg should pop in soon and give you more info.

[janieev]

Thanks, Stacy! I guess that is the good thing about living up north....we get a couple good freezes at night, and the mosquitos go away, so Fall is a great time there.

I live (in NH) in a rural town. We have woods surrounding our house, lots of wildlife, and I always thought the mozzies were worse in the country than in the city or more densely populated area. Are the mozzies bad even in the 'burbs? Just at dusk or all day long?

Thanks again!

[citydweller]

Mosquitoes normally go away here too although since its been so warm lately they came back. Tomorrow the weather is suppose to drop 20 degrees and hopefully stay cool so we can enjoy a skeeter free environment.

[stacylee926]

Originally Posted by janieev

Thanks, Stacy! I guess that is the good thing about living up north....we get a couple good freezes at night, and the mosquitos go away, so Fall is a great time there.

I live (in NH) in a rural town. We have woods surrounding our house, lots of wildlife, and I always thought the mozzies were worse in the country than in the city or more densely populated area. Are the mozzies bad even in the 'burbs? Just at dusk or all day long?

Thanks again!

We also have alot of water around - lakes, ponds, rivers - that helps them out . Wmbg is also pretty heavily wooded compared to other parts of the area.

[dvcgal]

Williamsburg is a great place to raise a family. I would stick to either Williamsburg or Yorktown for schools, they both have good schools (Yorktown's Grafton area schools are supposed to be excellent). Last year's AYP school reports are out and there were several schools in the area that did not meet expectations and I have not looked at Yorktown's but you can find that info online. There are many churches in town so a wide variety to choose from. As you mentioned we have several parks in the area that are fabulous! There is a lot to do here in the area and they have been other threads on CD before requesting that info, but we have Busch Gardens, Water Country, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Battle Field, Yorktown Beach, fishing, boating, bike trails...the list just goes on and on. You get spoiled by the area very quickly.
Traffic is not bad at all. The only time traffic gets tricky is during the summer when the tourist come and they don't know all of the driving routes and one way streets so you have people downtown that will stop in the middle of the road and cause you a headache, but overall traffic is not a large problem here. The most annoying bug or living thing in Williamsburg are the toursits! Just kidding...umm I would say mosquitoes. I hate bugs to begin with and ...oh....ticks!!!! This was the summer of ticks!!! I swear they were everywhere! That was bad and most people that I spoke with were dealing the same problem. Ticks!!! The Ford's Colony thing I'm not sure about. As far as I know you need a realtor but ask Mr. Williamsburg who is on CD. He is local realtor in the area and can give you that advice.
Good luck and FYI if you are looking at Ford's Colony be warned that they are 'suppose' to build a new elementary school and Ford's Colony is on the chopping block for redistricting for that new school. Not sure if it would actually happen since Ford's Colony donated land for DJ Montague Elem. to be built, but it is in the talks if this new school does get built.

[Mr Williamsburg]

Thanks to all for their positive comments :

My main question is, is Williamsburg a good place to raise a family? I can't think of a better place to raise a family. We lived in Annapolis Md prior to moving here .My Wife is a Richmond Native I am a Va Beach native. Hands down people here are more friendly than DC, Northern VA etc.. It's a small town. You tend to see people you know at the store, sports practice, church, eating out, etc.

We have 3 kids- 11, 4, and 1. Excellent schools are a top priority. Ours are 9 and 10. Enrolled in Williamsburg/ James City County Schools. Have only had one teacher we were not happy with..Overall ecstatic with results. My sister a York County Principal would argue that York COunty Schools are better. Check www.SchoolMatters.com for test results..

Are Richmond, Norfolk and Newport News all decent airports? All are good , I prefer Richmond or Newport News so I don't have to worry about crossing the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel.

Everyone we met while at the playground, parks and shopping was very friendly and raved about the area, churches and schools. Would this be typical of families there? Typical of 8 or 9 out of ten has been our experience. There are lots of Mom groups they just aren't on the internet.I'm wondering how many young families really live there. Is it mainly retirees and college kids? The neighborhood we live in is about 50 % families with children at home. There are others that are much higher and others much lower. I have a spread sheet that shows how many kids are in each neighborhood attending public school that can be used as an indicator. One of the largest has a low percentage of children per household but still has. A very large quantity of children residing there ( there are almost 2000 homes in that neighborhood.) If you get involved in a community/ neighborhood/ school/ sports / church you will meet plenty of families.

That traffic in/around Williamsburg is horrible because of Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg. Is it really that bad? If you live here you eventually will learn what roads to take and what areas to avoid at certain times. You can't drive to Va Beach on a Friday afternoon during the summer. We don't really have any problems around Busch Gardens. We go there in late afternoons and typically don't fight large crowds if the overflow lot is being used, we just turn around and go on another day. Interstate 64 can be a problem if there is an accident. It is only a two lane road from Newport news to Richmond. A minor accident can back it up for miles. You just pay attention and take alternate routes Rt60, 143 to avoid incidents.

What would the most annoying bug or other thing be about living in Williamsburg? Mosquitoes at times.. We back up to a creek and it's really not bad most of the year.

How would we get into Fords Colony to drive by a rental before we call a realtor about it? You can't without a realtor escorting you unless you know someone who lives there.

FYI the new elementary and middle schools are being built ff Jolly Pond Rd. There will definitely be redistricting upon completion.

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